International Programs at the University of Iowa hosted a webinar focused on international faculty success in international scholarship and creative work as a part of the Cultivating Success: A Global Faculty Initiative series. Russell Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs, and Meenakshi Gigi Durham, professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, planned and facilitated the discussion. This series is dedicated to supporting new international faculty in their transition to the university by leveraging the knowledge and experiences of seasoned faculty members. With a distinguished panel of UI faculty experts, the webinar offered valuable insights into navigating the complexities of academia as an international faculty member at Iowa.

The panel featured a wide range of expertise across multiple disciplines:

• Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean, International Programs

• Meenakshi Gigi Durham, professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

• Aliasger Salem, associate vice president for research, Office of the Vice President for Research

• Kristy Nabhan-Warren, associate vice president for research, Office of the Vice President for Research

• Luis Martín-Estudillo, professor, Spanish and Portuguese, and director of the Obermann Center

• Monica Correia, professor of 3D design, School of Art, Art History, and Design

• Don Letendre, professor of pharmacy practice and science, College of Pharmacy

Each panelist gave a brief history of their career and what brought them to the University of Iowa, followed by questions related to teaching at Iowa. Here they share guidance based on their experiences.

Emphasizing International Faculty as Resources

One of the key themes discussed during the webinar was the tremendous value that international faculty bring to the University of Iowa. Martín-Estudillo highlighted how these scholars, with their wealth of international contacts and unique perspectives, enrich the academic community. He emphasized that while international faculty face challenges adjusting to a new environment, they are also incredible assets who help broaden the scope of cross-national collaborations and elevate the university’s global profile. He pointed out that achieving promotion from associate to full professor often requires international recognition, making these global connections invaluable to the career advancement of all faculty members.

Ganim expanded on this point, discussing how fostering meaningful connections with international colleagues enhances collaborative culture.

“Our international faculty at Iowa are a great resource to us,” shared Ganim. “We can certainly learn from them and this kind of collaborative culture is something we see happening in many colleges across campus.”
 

Navigating University Structures and Bureaucracies

International scholars can face challenges in navigating university administration and bureaucracy, both within the U.S. and abroad. Nabhan-Warren shared her experiences working across different departments and units within the university, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. She stressed that successful navigation of administrative structures requires stepping out of one’s academic silo and fostering strong relationships with other departments, which is vital for advancing research and creative work.

"For me, what's been really instrumental in getting anything done is working across units,” shared Nabhan-Warren. “I oversee two centers, but I also make it a point to collaborate with other areas like the Provost’s Office to help promote research initiatives. It was not an area of strength for me before I started in my current role, though. It was something I’ve learned because I never have all the answers but I’m never afraid to ask questions too.”

Panelists also discussed the unique challenges posed by international research bureaucracies. Durham inquired about navigating bureaucratic hurdles such as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in different countries. Letendre and Martín-Estudillo agreed that while American academic institutions generally hold a privileged position internationally, making collaboration smoother, it is still essential to understand the local bureaucracies and cultural contexts in the countries where research is conducted.
 

International Networks and Global Outreach

As the discussion moved toward building global networks, Ganim and Nabhan-Warren emphasized the role of international networks in enriching both research and creative work. The panelists also touched on how international scholars can help foster global outreach and recognition for the university. Martín-Estudillo stressed the importance of international faculty in expanding the university’s global footprint, which can open doors to exciting research opportunities and creative projects abroad.

"What we do here at Iowa is supposed to impact and benefit the rest of the world,” shared Martín-Estudillo. “We must remind ourselves that we’re not just here for the benefit of the state or the country, but for the world at large."
 

Overcoming Research Barriers

A recurring topic throughout the webinar was the bureaucratic and cultural barriers that international scholars encounter when conducting research abroad. Correia described her experiences in Brazil, where navigating the academic system can be quite different.

"In countries like Brazil, it’s much more bureaucratic and difficult to access resources," Correia said. "But I learned that understanding the local culture and their way of doing things, even something as simple as respecting their coffee break schedule, is crucial." She urged international scholars to embrace the learning curve and approach the experience as an opportunity to grow.
 

Conclusion

“International faculty are essential to building the global footprint of the University of Iowa,” Ganim summed up. “They enrich our community and help us connect to the world. We have much to learn from our international faculty at Iowa, and we should continue to foster an environment where they can thrive.”

The next event in this series, Cultivating Success: International Teaching, will take place in-person on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 3 – 4:30 p.m. in the International Commons, UCC 1117. This event is co-sponsored by the UI Center for Teaching.

Register to let us know you’ll attend

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.